Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Walnuts! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and rich chocolate creates a unique flavor that I can't resist. As a fan of both healthier desserts and indulgent treats, I find that these brownies strike the perfect balance. The walnuts add a delightful crunch, complementing the smooth texture of the brownies. Plus, knowing they incorporate cottage cheese makes me feel a bit better about indulging. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:58:16.996Z

When I first decided to experiment with cottage cheese in brownies, I was a bit skeptical. Could this ingredient really deliver the decadent texture and taste I desired? To my delight, the cottage cheese melded perfectly with the chocolate, giving the brownies a rich, fudgy consistency. I also discovered that blending the cottage cheese until smooth helped eliminate any graininess, ensuring a truly satisfying bite.

As I baked these for the first time, I included a generous amount of walnuts for added crunch. The combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts was heavenly! I discovered that using high-quality cocoa powder truly enhanced the chocolate flavor; it’s a tip I now swear by when making all my brownie recipes.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy walnuts
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for a guilt-free sweet treat

      

Baking with Cottage Cheese

Incorporating cottage cheese into brownie recipes might sound unconventional, but it plays a crucial role in achieving a moist texture. The proteins in cottage cheese enhance the structure while contributing a unique creaminess that complements the rich chocolate flavor. When blended until smooth, as outlined in the recipe, it fully integrates without altering the flavor profile. This gives you brownies that not only taste delicious but also have added nutritional benefits compared to traditional options.

For those concerned about dairy intolerance, cottage cheese can be substituted with a non-dairy alternative like silken tofu. Blending silken tofu until smooth offers similar moisture and texture without the lactose, making it a fantastic vegan swap. Just be aware that using a flavored tofu might impact the chocolate flavor slightly.

Perfecting Your Brownies

To ensure your brownies come out perfectly every time, monitoring oven temperature is vital. Investing in an oven thermometer can help you verify if your oven heats accurately. Brownies should bake at 350°F and typically take around 25 minutes; however, this can vary based on pan material and size. Use light-colored metal pans for even baking as darker ones may cause the edges to brown too quickly. Look for edges that start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a set center when checking for doneness.

One of my favorite tips is to let the brownies rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the fudge-like interior to set properly, which makes cutting them into squares easier and cleaner. If you’re looking to add a touch of richness, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the brownies once they’ve cooled.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.

Add Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you prefer, substitute the walnuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be served alone for a delicious snack, but they shine as a dessert when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast between the warm brownies and the cold toppings is irresistible. For a festive touch, consider topping them with a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts just before serving for added flavor and texture.

If you want to elevate the presentation, cutting the brownies into unique shapes using cookie cutters can make them more appealing for gatherings. Just ensure that they are completely cooled before cutting to maintain their integrity.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prep. To freeze, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave before serving to enjoy them almost fresh out of the oven.

If you're planning a special occasion, you can make these brownies a day in advance. Simply bake, cool, and store them airtight. On the day of your event, you can quickly dress them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or melted chocolate for an appealing touch right before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, but it may affect the creaminess slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them well in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute if you're looking for a vegan option.